Urban Array’s Post

Amplifying Voices: The Power of Voter Engagement in Black and Brown Communities In the tapestry of our democracy, every thread—every vote—adds strength and color to the whole. Yet, historical and systemic barriers have too often muted the voices in our Black and Brown communities. It's more than a matter of policy; it's a cornerstone of our collective empowerment. As we look forward to upcoming elections, let's discuss voter engagement. It goes beyond the act of casting a ballot. It's about education, access, and encouragement. It's about dismantling the hurdles that make voting challenging for so many. Engagement is a two-way street. It calls for candidates to listen actively and respond to the needs and aspirations of these communities. Each of us must commit to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion and participation. Here are some ways we can make a difference: Educational Workshops: - Knowledge is power. Let's organize workshops that inform citizens about their voting rights and the issues at stake. Voter Registration Drives: - Accessibility is key. Setting up drives in community centers, churches, and local events can go a long way. Transportation Services: -Let's volunteer or partner with organizations to provide rides to polling stations on election day. Youth Engagement: -The youth are our future. Encouraging their involvement can foster a lifelong commitment to civic participation. I'm calling on community leaders, activists, and all professionals to join in boosting voter turnout and engagement in our Black and Brown neighborhoods. Let's use our platforms, resources, and networks to ensure that every voice is heard and every vote is counted. What are some other methods you've seen work well? Share your stories and strategies in the comments below. We can bring about positive change and ensure a more equitable future. #VoterEngagement #CommunityEmpowerment #CivicParticipation #ElectionsMatter

As we mobilize to save democracy in the next 100 days, I reflect on the question posed by @ashleyjsharpton during our “Children of the Movement” panel at the National Action Network conference: “What advice would you give to those passionate about civil rights and making a difference?” My response calls to mind the wisdom shared by Vice President Harris in her viral “Coconut Tree Speech.” 🥥🌴 “My mother used to give us a hard time sometimes, saying, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.’” -@kamalaharris/@vp We have an opportunity to register a significant number of new voters in this election. How do we do it? Step one: by studying past efforts, both successful and unsuccessful—the “context.” In 1983, my father, @revjjackson, led a Southern Crusade voter registration drive through the South, engaging people county-by-county in areas rife with voter suppression. By the end of his 1984 presidential campaign, he had registered an impressive two million new voters—all without the help of social media. Today, with new technology, radical reimagining, and the power of #GenZ, we can build upon those efforts and make history together. #SwiftiesForHarris has developed an innovative plan: identifying voter registration requirements in every state where there’s a #TaylorSwift concert, creating QR codes with voter registration and donation links, and crafting “get out the vote” friendship bracelets. Step two: we organize! 🗳️✊🏽 Stay tuned for more updates on how we can work together to mobilize voters and protect our democracy. #HarrisForPresident #VoterRegistration #SaveDemocracy #CivilRights #MakingADifference #Politics #GetOutTheVote #GOTV #KamalaHarris #WinWithBlackWomen #YouthVote #CoconutTree

Relational voting revolutionizes civic engagement by harnessing personal connections to empower communities. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mass communication, relational voting leverages your trusted relationships—friends, family, and neighbors—to encourage voter participation. This approach builds trust, addresses individual concerns, and removes barriers to voting, fostering a more inclusive electoral process. By tapping into your community networks, relational voting not only boosts voter turnout but also strengthens community bonds and promotes ongoing civic engagement beyond elections. It's a pivotal strategy for empowering you to shape your future and amplify your collective voice in democratic processes. To streamline this powerful approach, we developed the Civil Action App. Designed for nonprofits and civic organizations, you can customize based on organization needs, personalize outreach efforts, manage voter engagement campaigns, and empower ambassadors within your community, making voter participation more accessible and impactful than ever before. Request a demo: www.blockpower.org

Let's Make a Resolution to Strengthen Democracy Together The New Year brings an opportunity for renewal and recommitment - not just in our personal lives but in our roles as active citizens within our democracy. The League of Women Voters of Maryland invites you to consider adopting resolutions that can strengthen the fabric of our society. ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and yet, so many eligible voters don’t participate. This year, make it your mission to encourage friends, family, and community members to register and vote. Offer to help navigate the registration process, share important election dates, or organize a group to go to the polls together. Each additional vote strengthens the voice of the community. PROMOTE CIVIL DISCOURSE In an age where political conversations often become polarized, committing to civil discourse is more crucial than ever. Civil discourse involves engaging in respectful and productive conversations about political and social issues. It means listening to understand, not to refute. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we can bridge divides and find common ground. GET ENGAGED WHERE IT MATTERS MOST Local governance is where your voice can have the most immediate impact. This year, resolve to attend virtual or in-person town hall meetings, school board sessions, and other civic events. These gatherings are a platform for citizens to learn about local issues, voice concerns, and engage directly with elected officials and community leaders. EMPOWER VOTERS WITH THE LEAGUE Join the League of Women Voters of Maryland, a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to nonpartisan advocacy, voter education, and promoting active participation in government. The League offers resources, support, and opportunities to engage in initiatives that directly impact our democracy. Whether it’s organizing voter registration drives, participating in or moderating candidate forums, or engaging in community outreach, your involvement with the League empowers you to make meaningful contributions to our democratic process. As we step into 2024, let’s embrace these resolutions with a spirit of optimism and determination. Together, we can cultivate a more informed, respectful, and active civic community. Join us in making this year one of impactful civic engagement and democratic growth. Happy New Year from the League of Women Voters of Maryland! #NewYearCivicResolutions #LWVMD #EmpowerVoters #StrengthenDemocracy #CivilDiscourse #CommunityEngagement

Relational voting revolutionizes civic engagement by harnessing personal connections to empower communities. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mass communication, relational voting leverages your trusted relationships—friends, family, and neighbors—to encourage voter participation. This approach builds trust, addresses individual concerns, and removes barriers to voting, fostering a more inclusive electoral process. By tapping into your community networks, relational voting not only boosts voter turnout but also strengthens community bonds and promotes ongoing civic engagement beyond elections. It's a pivotal strategy for empowering you to shape your future and amplify your collective voice in democratic processes. To streamline this powerful approach, we developed the Act on Integrity App. Designed for nonprofits and civic organizations, you can customize based on organization needs, personalize outreach efforts, manage voter engagement campaigns, and empower ambassadors within your community, making voter participation more accessible and impactful than ever before. Request a demo: www.hub3.us

Event Recap: Youth-led Civic Engagement and Voter Registration Organised by our Centre for Policy and Governance, the gathering was more than just a session; it was a journey of enlightenment into the heart of democratic participation. We delved deep into the vital importance of voting, unravelling its significance and exploring various methods for voter registration. Participants gained valuable insights into the intricate workings of the Election Commission, demystifying the processes that govern our electoral system. Youth engagement was the highlight of the event, as we showcased inspiring real-life case studies of young individuals making a tangible impact in their communities through active involvement in the electoral process. Their stories served as powerful reminders of the transformative potential that lies within the hands of our youth. Furthermore, our discussion extended beyond the mechanics of voting to explore the multifaceted factors that influence voter behaviour. From socio-economic backgrounds to cultural influences, we dissected the diverse array of elements that shape the choices we make at the ballot box. The event culminated in an engaging and interactive Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to further deepen their understanding and clarify any lingering questions. Together, we left feeling empowered and inspired, ready to embrace our roles as active citizens and champions of democracy. Follow us to know more about any of our upcoming events and participate in them! #CivicEngagement #VoterRegistration #YouthLeadership #ElectionEducation #DemocracyInAction #YouthEmpowerment #VoteYourVoice #ElectoralProcess #CommunityEngagement #PoliticalAwareness

Our latest blog post dives deep into a concept we call relational voter participation, and how it's boosting civic engagement in communities. In this post we share some key concepts we use in relational voter participation efforts with schools and highlight a few recent examples that drove voter turnout and empowered communities. Read all about it here: https://lnkd.in/dnwYhnq7

A suggested resolution for 2024? To discuss politics with your children. Hear me out. In our co-authored post, Lindsey Cormack and I outline why this conversation is vital, especially with teens casting their ballots for the first time this year. 🔻 By not engaging our youth, we are abdicating their political and civic engagement framework to TikTok. 🔻 We can't rely on schools to fill the breach. Having productive conversations with youth about politics doesn't have to be hard. ✅ Start local. Learning about national issues through the lens of your community makes it dramatically easier to grasp. ✅ Learn about candidates together--from both sides of the aisle. ✅ Help them register to vote. Let's resolve to start our young people on a solid civic engagement footing. After all, they will be responsible for rebuilding our country for the future. _______________ 🗣 I talk about how people can leverage civic engagement and social entrepreneurship to transform their community, grow their personal brand, and live a fulfilling life. #civicengagement #politics #communityengagement #localpolitics #localgovernment #electionyear #elections2024 #newyearsresolution

Arkansas’ worst-in-the-nation voter registration and turnout rankings are part of a larger challenge of civic engagement that the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and its partners are working to address.

Simple but true: relationships matter. Check out P.A.C.E.'s latest blog post by Sean Andersen about the power of relationships in voter participation campaigns, and learn about a few recent examples with some excellent partners!